*Shezana’s Diary* *Garments for Each Other ©* *Thursday , February 27, 2025* Bismillah. This morning, as I sipped my chai and scrolled through my phone, a flurry of notifications caught my eye. There it was—the uroosa nasheed with Sumaya Aalan's name and a man's name that I didn't recognize. The caption read: "Alhamdulillah, Nikah'd to Maulana Salim Sadun." My heart skipped a beat. Sumayya? Married? And to a Maulana, no less? She hadn't mentioned a word about this to me. A whirlwind of emotions surged—excitement for her, but also a pang of hurt. How could my dear friend embark on such a monumental journey without sharing it with me? Then, an uncomfortable twinge of envy crept in. Sumayya, a year younger than me, was now married. Meanwhile, my own path seemed riddled with uncertainties and delays. But I caught myself. Envy is a seed that, if watered, can poison the heart. It can devour all the good deeds just as fire devours wood... Nope, I can't let that happen!! I took a deep breath and reminded myself: "A difficulty that brings you closer to Allah is more beautiful than a blessing that takes you away from Him." Perhaps this waiting period is my test, my means of drawing nearer to Allah. Everyone's journey is unique, and Allah's plans are always perfect. Determined to share in her joy, I picked up my phone to call Sumayya. The line was busy—undoubtedly, her phone was flooded with congratulatory calls. Instead, I composed a heartfelt message: "Dearest Sumayya, my heart swells with joy for you! May Allah bless your union with endless love, understanding, and barakah. I can't wait to hear all about it. Please remember me in your duas. With all my love, Shezana." Moments later, her reply came: "JazakAllah khair, dear! Your duas mean the world to me. It's been a whirlwind, and I promise to call you as soon as I can catch my breath. Keep me in your duaas." I smiled, imagining the flurry of activity in her home—the laughter, the tears, the myriad emotions that accompany such a blessed event. It took me back to the time when my own engagement seemed imminent. The house was alive with excitement; friends and cousins bustling about, making every moment special. But as quickly as those memories surfaced, I shuddered, recalling how it all unraveled. Life's twists and turns are beyond our comprehension. I whispered a sincere dua for Sumayya: "Ya Allah, grant her lasting happiness. Protect her marriage from any harm and fill their lives with Your mercy." Seeking to channel my emotions positively, I walked over to my closet and retrieved my Ramadan planner. The blessed month is just around the corner, and I want to be prepared. I revisited my goals: *Complete the Qur'an at least 8 or 9 times :* Reciting aprox ten Juz' each day. *Daily Salawat:* Sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ a thousand times. *Charity:* Setting aside a portion of my savings each week for those in need. *Tahajjud:* Waking up in the last third of the night to seek closeness to Allah. I also planned to incorporate some new recipes for Suhoor and Iftar, aiming to nourish both body and soul during this sacred month. As I penned down these intentions, a sense of tranquility washed over me. Life may not always unfold according to our plans, but with trust in Allah's wisdom, every moment becomes a step towards contentment. Alhamdulillah, for the tests that bring me closer to Him and for the blessings that I often overlook. I am exactly where I am meant to be, and for that, I am grateful. Love Shezana,